Wet pour rubber
A seamless, porous rubber surface poured on site in almost any colour. Ideal for graphics, markings and Critical Fall Heights up to 3m. Slip-resistant, wheelchair-friendly and quick-draining.
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Surfacing
Playground Surfacing for Schools & Nurseries
Playground surfacing is the impact-absorbing ground layer that protects children when they fall and defines how a play area looks and drains. Commercial Play designs, supplies and installs every major safety surface (wet pour, rubber mulch, artificial grass and rubber safety tiles), tested to BS EN 1177 and matched to the equipment above it.
Overview
Built for real, everyday school use
The right surface depends on three things: the Critical Fall Height of your equipment, how the space will be used, and your budget. We survey each site, calculate the required impact protection, and recommend the surface that gives the safest, longest-lasting result for the money available.
- Tested impact protection
- Porous & quick-draining
- Built for all-year use
- Inclusive & step-free
Options & ranges
Surfacing options we design & install
Every project is specified to your site, age groups and budget. Tap any option below for full details, benefits and FAQs.
Rubber mulch
A natural, bark-effect bonded rubber surface that suits woodland trails and forest schools. Fully porous, low-maintenance and a cost-effective way to hit high fall-height ratings.
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Artificial grass
All-weather synthetic turf with a shockpad underlay for play areas, MUGAs and early-years gardens. Green all year with no mud, mowing or standing water.
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Grass mats & reinforced grass
Rubber safety mats pinned into natural grass under swings, slides and gateways. Grass grows through for a natural look with firm, mud-free, fall-safe footing.
Explore grass mats & reinforced grassWhy Commercial Play
What you get with us
Tested impact protection
Every surface is specified to the Critical Fall Height of your equipment and independently tested to BS EN 1177.
Porous & quick-draining
Wet pour and rubber mulch drain straight through, so play resumes minutes after rain with no puddles.
Built for all-year use
UV-stable colours and hard-wearing binders keep surfaces safe and vibrant through British winters and summers.
Inclusive & step-free
Seamless surfaces give wheelchair users and buggies smooth, level access across the whole play area.
How we work
A simple, four-step journey
From first phone call to finished playground, we keep it clear, collaborative and on time.
1
Free site visit
We visit your school, measure the space and listen to how you want it used, with no cost and no obligation.
2
Design & quote
You receive a clear design, layout and fixed quote, with options to match your budget and phasing.
3
Professional install
Our own teams install to BS EN 1176/1177, working safely around term times and school routines.
4
Handover & aftercare
We hand over with inspection reports and offer ongoing maintenance to protect your investment.
FAQs
Surfacing: common questions
What is the safest playground surface?
The safest surface is the one specified to your equipment's Critical Fall Height and tested to BS EN 1177. Wet pour and rubber mulch both achieve high fall-height ratings; the best choice depends on your budget, drainage and the look you want.
How thick does wet pour need to be?
Wet pour thickness is set by the fall height it must protect against, typically 15mm to 100mm+. The higher the equipment, the deeper the shock-absorbing base layer we install beneath the coloured wearing course.
Is rubber mulch better than bark?
Rubber mulch keeps the natural bark look but does not rot, blow away or need topping up, and it is fully porous. It gives a higher, more consistent fall-height rating than loose bark and needs far less maintenance.
How long does playground surfacing last?
A professionally installed wet pour or rubber mulch surface typically lasts 8–12 years or more with routine care. We also repair and refresh existing surfaces to extend their life.
Guides & projects
Related reading and projects
Wet-Pour Surfacing & Trim Trail Refresh
Seamless, colourful wet-pour surfacing and a linked agility trail brought a worn KS2 playground back to life and got children moving at every break.
View project
Safety
Playground Safety Surfacing Explained: How to Choose
Choosing safe playground surfacing means matching it to equipment fall height under BS EN 1177. Compare wet pour, rubber mulch, grass mats and bark.
Read article
Playground Design
How to Plan a School Playground: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to planning a school playground, from auditing your space and setting aims through design, zoning, surfacing and installation.
Read articleAreas we cover
Playground Surfacing across England & Wales
We install playground surfacing for schools nationwide. Choose your town for local detail, or get in touch wherever you are.
London
West Midlands
BirminghamPlayground SurfacingCoventryPlayground SurfacingWolverhamptonPlayground SurfacingSolihullPlayground SurfacingDudleyPlayground SurfacingWalsallPlayground SurfacingStoke-on-TrentPlayground Surfacing
East Midlands
Yorkshire
North West
North East
South West
South East
SouthamptonPlayground SurfacingPortsmouthPlayground SurfacingReadingPlayground SurfacingMilton KeynesPlayground SurfacingOxfordPlayground SurfacingBrightonPlayground Surfacing
East of England
Wales
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Related services
Planning a surfacing project?
Tell us about your space and we'll arrange a free site visit, design and fixed quote.